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Xshell alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rankAll SSH clients

Top picks

Common reasons people leave Xshell: business use needs a paid licence, unlike Bitvise or PuTTY, and windows only; no macOS or Linux build. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Xshell, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Tabby (terminal) currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Tabby (terminal) logoTabby (terminal)Open source—YesWindows, macOS, Linux +13 of 364.0
2Bitvise SSH Client logoBitvise SSH ClientFree plan + paid$39.95 per installation or user (optional licence)NoWindows8 of 861.8
3MobaXterm logoMobaXtermFree plan + paid$69 per user one-time (Professional)NoWindows5 of 556.8
4SecureCRT logoSecureCRTPaid$119 one-time, single user, 1 year of updatesNoWindows, macOS, Linux +17 of 754.4
5Termius logoTermiusFree plan + paid$10 a month, billed annually (Pro)NomacOS, Windows, Linux +27 of 751.2
6PuTTY logoPuTTYOpen source—YesWindows, Linux0 of 039.5
  1. Tabby (terminal) logo

    1. Tabby (terminal)Top pick

    Best for: People who want saved SSH and serial connections inside a modern terminal

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, Web

    64.0

    score / 100

    Why switch from Xshell

    Open-source, cross-platform terminal with built-in SSH profiles and tabs.

    Pros

    • SSH, Telnet and serial profiles with SFTP built in
    • Encrypted vault for connection secrets
    • Free, open source and cross-platform

    Cons

    • Electron app with high memory use
    • Slower to start than native terminals
    • Plugin quality varies
    Visit Tabby (terminal) Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.334
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.15100
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Tabby (terminal) a good Xshell alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    License
    MIT
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    SSH client
    Built in
    Checked Nov 8, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Web version
    Tabby Web
    Checked Nov 8, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Bitvise SSH Client logo

    2. Bitvise SSH Client

    Best for: Windows admins who want SSH, SFTP and tunnels in one free client, including at work

    Free plan + paidWindows

    61.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Xshell

    Free even for business use and includes a graphical SFTP client and tunneling.

    Pros

    • Free for commercial use, not just personal use
    • Graphical SFTP plus SFTP drive mapping for any Windows app
    • Strong tunneling: SOCKS/HTTP proxy, RDP forwarding, jump hosts
    • Scriptable command-line clients for unattended transfers

    Cons

    • Windows only; no macOS, Linux or mobile versions
    • Tabbed multi-session management is weaker than Xshell or MobaXterm
    • Some console features only work against Bitvise's own server
    Visit Bitvise SSH Client Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Bitvise SSH Client a good Xshell alternative?

    Verified facts

    8 of 8 verified
    Free plan
    Yes, free in all environments
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitvise.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Optional licence
    $39.95 per installation or user
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitvise.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows (11 back to XP SP3)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitvise.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Post-quantum key exchange
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitvise.com(opens source in a new tab)
    SFTP drive mapping
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitvise.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $39.95 per installation or user (optional licence)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitvise.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Site License plan
    $3,000
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitvise.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Area License plan
    $4,500
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitvise.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. MobaXterm logo

    3. MobaXterm

    Best for: Windows admins and researchers who need SSH with X11 forwarding and SFTP

    Free plan + paidWindows

    56.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Xshell

    Similar tabbed Windows toolbox that also bundles an X server and SFTP browser in one app.

    Pros

    • Built-in X server for remote graphical apps
    • SFTP browser opens automatically with SSH sessions
    • Many protocols and Unix tools in one app

    Cons

    • Windows only and closed source
    • Free edition limits saved sessions and tunnels
    • Cluttered interface
    Visit MobaXterm Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.360
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is MobaXterm a good Xshell alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free plan
    Yes, Home Edition (max 12 sessions)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026mobaxterm.mobatek.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Free limits
    Max. 12 sessions, 2 SSH tunnels
    Checked Nov 8, 2026mobaxterm.mobatek.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Professional price
    $69 per user
    Checked Nov 8, 2026mobaxterm.mobatek.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Protocols
    SSH, X11, RDP, VNC, FTP, Mosh
    Checked Nov 8, 2026mobaxterm.mobatek.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $69 per user one-time (Professional)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026mobaxterm.mobatek.net(opens source in a new tab)
  4. SecureCRT logo

    4. SecureCRT

    Best for: Network engineers who manage many devices and automate sessions with scripts

    PaidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS

    54.4

    score / 100

    Why switch from Xshell

    Paid client with comparable session management that also runs on macOS and Linux.

    Pros

    • Excellent session management for hundreds of hosts
    • Python scripting and send-to-all command window
    • One licence across Windows, macOS and Linux

    Cons

    • Paid licence with renewals for updates
    • Traditional, dense interface
    • More than casual SSH users need
    Visit SecureCRT Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.352
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is SecureCRT a good Xshell alternative?

    Verified facts

    7 of 7 verified
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Linux
    Checked Nov 8, 2026vandyke.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free trial
    Every release can be evaluated free
    Checked Nov 8, 2026vandyke.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Scripting
    Python and ActiveX
    Checked Nov 8, 2026vandyke.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Licence price
    $119 with 1 year of updates (single user)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026vandyke.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $119 one-time, single user, 1 year of updates
    Checked Nov 8, 2026vandyke.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Licence with 3 years of updates
    $190 one-time, single user
    Checked Nov 8, 2026vandyke.com(opens source in a new tab)
    SecureCRT + SecureFX bundle
    $129 with 1 year of updates, single user
    Checked Nov 8, 2026vandyke.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Termius logo

    5. Termius

    Best for: People who manage servers over SSH from several devices, including phones

    Free plan + paidmacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android

    51.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Xshell

    Cross-platform with synced hosts and keys, including iOS and Android apps.

    Pros

    • Same client on desktop and mobile
    • Encrypted vault sync and team sharing on paid plans
    • Free plan allowed for commercial use

    Cons

    • Sync and sharing require a subscription
    • Closed source
    • Not a full replacement for a local terminal
    Visit Termius Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.341
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Termius a good Xshell alternative?

    Verified facts

    7 of 7 verified
    Free plan
    Yes, Starter, free for commercial use
    Checked Nov 8, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Pro price
    $10/month, paid annually
    Checked Nov 8, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Team price
    $20 per seat/month, paid annually
    Checked Nov 8, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Business price
    $30 per seat/month, paid annually
    Checked Nov 8, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $10 a month, billed annually (Pro)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Team plan
    $20 per seat/month, billed annually
    Checked Nov 8, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Business plan
    $30 per seat/month, billed annually
    Checked Nov 8, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
  6. PuTTY logo

    6. PuTTY

    Best for: Windows users who need a small, dependable SSH or serial client

    Open sourceWindows, Linux

    39.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Xshell

    Free, open-source and minimal if you only need a reliable terminal.

    Pros

    • Free, small and dependable
    • Saved sessions, key agent and file transfer tools
    • Serial and Telnet support for network gear

    Cons

    • Dated interface with no tabs
    • Uses its own PPK key format
    • Built-in Windows OpenSSH covers many basic needs
    Visit PuTTY Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.338
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1530
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is PuTTY a good Xshell alternative?

    Verified facts

    0 of 0 verified

    No sourced facts yet.

The best Xshell alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Tabby (terminal) logo

Best Xshell alternative for most people

Tabby (terminal)

Open-source, cross-platform terminal with built-in SSH profiles and tabs.

PuTTY logo

Best Xshell alternative for a free option

PuTTY

Free, open-source and minimal if you only need a reliable terminal.

Bitvise SSH Client logo

Best Xshell alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Bitvise SSH Client

Free even for business use and includes a graphical SFTP client and tunneling.

Tabby (terminal) logo

Best Xshell alternative for open source

Tabby (terminal)

Open-source, cross-platform terminal with built-in SSH profiles and tabs.

SecureCRT logo

Best Xshell alternative for Mac

SecureCRT

Paid client with comparable session management that also runs on macOS and Linux.

MobaXterm logo

Best Xshell alternative for Windows

MobaXterm

Similar tabbed Windows toolbox that also bundles an X server and SFTP browser in one app.

Termius logo

Best Xshell alternative for Linux

Termius

Cross-platform with synced hosts and keys, including iOS and Android apps.

Termius logo

Best Xshell alternative for iPhone and Android

Termius

Cross-platform with synced hosts and keys, including iOS and Android apps.

Tabby (terminal) logo

Best Xshell alternative for working in the browser

Tabby (terminal)

Open-source, cross-platform terminal with built-in SSH profiles and tabs.

Xshell alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Xshell?

Tabby (terminal) ranks first right now. Open-source, cross-platform terminal with built-in SSH profiles and tabs. Bitvise SSH Client and MobaXterm follow it in our ranking.

Xshell vs Tabby (terminal): what's the difference?

Xshell is free with paid plans; Tabby (terminal) is free and open source. Tabby (terminal) is open source and Xshell is not. Only Tabby (terminal) runs on macOS, Linux and Web.

Is Xshell free?

Xshell is free with paid plans. Starting price: $119 perpetual, single user. Checked on Xshell's own site, November 2026.

How much do Xshell alternatives cost?

Verified prices for the top-ranked Xshell alternatives: Bitvise SSH Client, $39.95 per installation or user (optional licence); MobaXterm, $69 per user one-time (Professional); SecureCRT, $119 one-time, single user, 1 year of updates; Termius, $10 a month, billed annually (Pro). Each price was checked on the app's own site; see each card below for the date and source.

Is there a free alternative to Xshell?

Yes. Tabby (terminal) (open source), Bitvise SSH Client (free plan + paid), MobaXterm (free plan + paid) and Termius (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Xshell?

Yes: Tabby (terminal) and PuTTY.

Which Xshell alternatives work on Linux?

Tabby (terminal), SecureCRT, Termius and PuTTY run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Xshell?

The complaints we hear most: business use needs a paid licence, unlike Bitvise or PuTTY; windows only; no macOS or Linux build; SFTP file transfer is a separate product (Xftp) or bundle.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Xshell, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.